Gabe Wadsworth among three new pros in Bantams' pre-season

That’s the case with the Wadsworth youngsters at Valley Parade where Noah’s departure coincides with younger sibling Gabe signing his first pro deal.

Noah Wadsworth was released by City after coming on twice as a late substitute last season – a call that Graham Alexander admitted was “harsh” to make.

But Alexander sees no issues with the family ties with one out and the other coming in.

“It’s not awkward for me and I don’t think it is for Gabe,” said the City boss.

“I spoke to him the other day when he was having the fitness tests. It was his 18th birthday so that’s one way to celebrate it!

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“At least he got an early present with another week off.

“We have to make decisions that are important for us as a club. Each individual has to forge their careers.

“Obviously Gabe will have spoken to Noah about it. I’m sure they are close.

“Each player has to look out for their own career and I don’t think it will take anything off Gabe from what I’ve seen of him.

“He’ll just crack on and try to get into our team."

While Noah Wadsworth has earned a year's deal with Hull's under-21 squad, his brother is one of three new City pros promoted from the academy - alongside prolific under-18s scorer Harry Ibbitson and keeper Zac Hadi.

Unfortunately, Hadi is currently injured but the other two have been thrown straight into the thick of City’s pre-season regime.

Alexander added: “I think it’s important to see what they are like being with us day in, day out.

“It’s down to the players. We know a bit more about Zac because he spent more time with us last season anyway being on the bench.

Noah Wadsworth, right, warming up with Tyler Smith (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“But Gabe and Harry will have real exposure to the first team. They are doing all our training and we won’t hold back with them.

“It’s in at the deep end, so to speak, but that’s how I’d rather it be as a young player.

“Throw them in with the good pros, see where they are and gauging where they fit in compared to players in their position.

“It gives them a great indication of how close or how far away they are. Then they can work from that point.

“The plan is to see how they go and we’ll take it from there.”

Ibbitson netted 31 goals in a prolific season for City’s under-18s – a haul that not surprisingly attracted the attention of several Premier League academy sides.

Alexander had pencilled in the 6ft 2in striker for a possible spot on the senior bench towards the end of the League Two campaign but he missed out through illness.

Hadi became City’s third keeper when Heath Richardson went out on loan before being released.

He travelled with the squad several times and was named as the sub keeper for the Bristol Street Motors Trophy ties against Doncaster and Wycombe at Valley Parade.

Alexander was asked in last week’s fans forum if he would be giving the youngsters a chance to feature this season.

Harry Ibbitson, right, scored 31 goals last season (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“It’s about proving yourself and performance,” he said. “Every manager wants to put out their best team and will give every player equal chance to break into the team.

“There is a trust with players who have been there, seen it, done it. The young generation will have to work their way through.

“Nothing is given to you in life. Nothing was given to me; nothing was given to Bobby Pointon.

“A successful career involves earning your way into the team, and they will have opportunity to showcase their skill, but they will have to work to get in there.

"As soon as players realise that in competitive football, I think they become 10 times better.

“I feel we have young players you will see this year and in years to come.”